The new reports suggest that the two companies, which are already involved in a patent cross-licensing partnership to develop consumer electronics and personal computers, will look into the possibility of building a new DVD player using Microsoft Windows’ CE technology. These new devices will support the new high-definition disc (HD DVD) format currently being promoted by Toshiba.
Many observers are hopeful that the news will add another string to Toshiba’s bow, as the company continues to compete against rival Sony’s Blu-ray DVD format. The two formats each boast a higher storage of high-definition video but are different in design.
Toshiba already has the backing of Microsoft in its HD DVD Forum, and if the rumors are to be believed, this extended agreement will no doubt help the firm to lower its development costs for the new disc format.
Toshiba is thought to be planning an end-of-year release in Japan and the US for its first HD DVD players, but these will not use Microsoft’s CE technology.
